The Present Progressive Tense

The PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSE indicates continuing action, something going on now. This tense is formed with the helping "to be" verb, in the present tense, plus the present participle of the verb (with an -ing ending).

Signal words:

now

at the moment

Look!

Listen!

Use of the Present Progressive:

1. actions happening at the moment of speaking

2. fixed plans in the near future

3. temporary actions

4. actions happening around the moment of speaking (longer actions)

5. repeated actions which are irritating to the speaker (with always, constantly, forever)

The present progressive can suggest that an action is going to happen in the future, especially with verbs that convey the idea of a plan or of movement from one place or condition to another.